Tips For NaNoWriMo
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Tips For NaNoWriMo

It's National Novel Writing Month; what's your story?

11
Tips For NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo

November is National Novel Writing Month, and offers a challenge to writers everywhere to write 50,000 words by November 30.

According to NaNoWriMo's site, there are currently 11,206 people who have pledged to take the challenge, but there are undoubtedly more participating that aren't registered. Writing a novel in a month is a daunting task, especially if you're like me and don't have an idea for a story. So, here are a few tips to get your creativity flowing!

1. Find Music

Don't go to your sing-along songs, find a playlist that inspires your mind and stirs your emotions. One of my personal favorites is Spotify's "Quiet Evening" playlist. Also, for whatever reason, I've gotten some of my best ideas while listening to Ella Fitzgerald. Classical music has also been proven to improve focus.

2. Go Travel

No, you don't have to take a life changing trip to Europe to get some inspiration. It could be something as simple as trying a completely new restaurant, exploring a town an hour away from you, driving on backroads, or getting lost in a city.

3. Talk to People

As writers, we create stories, but we are also storytellers. Sometimes there's a great, real life story that someone has and needs to be told. One of the greatest love stories I've ever heard came from my great-great uncle, and I am determined to tell it one day. If someone has a story that you love and enjoy, odds are that other people will enjoy it too.

4. Do Writing Prompts

NaNoWriMo's site has some prompts, but you can find all kinds of different ones online. There are also character building charts that can be helpful to building a complex character. I've also found inspiration simply from drawing characters.


5. Read Books

Reading the work of other authors is actually a great way to get inspired. It can show you a way to unfold a story that you hadn't thought of before, you can learn how to use imagery, how to evoke suspense, among many other things. Revisit one of your favorite books and read a completely new one too.

6. People Watch

Get out of your introspectiveness and look at the world around you. Analyze people and create their backstories.


7. Do Research

One of my favorite things to write about is historical fiction; getting lost in the history of a subject will help you find an interesting angle to a story. Research what you're writing about to find different perspectives than your own.

8. Be Honest

Yes, we create fiction and tell stories. However, my personal opinion is that the best stories are ones you can relate to. So, be honest in your storytelling. Maybe don't give the character everything they want, express your own trials and issues through a character so you can reach a reader on a personal level.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

15919
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

945456
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

122359
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments